Free tool

V5C log book checker

GOV.UK lists two ranges of serial numbers that belong to stolen blank V5C log books: BG8229501 to BG9999030, and BI2305501 to BI2800000. Type the serial number from the V5C you've been shown and we'll tell you if it falls inside one of them, then walk you through the other checks to do before you pay. This check can't prove a V5C is genuine on its own, so the viewing checks matter too. It works in your browser. The number isn't sent anywhere and there's no registration box.

Published by CarCheckHQ · Updated 24 October 2026. Written by the CarCheckHQ team.

Step 1 of 2

Check the V5C serial number

Check a serial number

Type the two letters and seven numbers from the V5C to see if they're inside a stolen blank range. Then use the viewing checklist below.

Go to the checklist

What your result means

Inside a stolen blank range: This serial number is inside a range GOV.UK lists for stolen V5C log books. GOV.UK says the V5C might be stolen and to call the police as soon as it's safe to. Don't hand over any money.
Outside both ranges: This serial number is outside the stolen blank ranges listed on GOV.UK. That's a good sign, but it doesn't prove the V5C is genuine or that the seller owns the car. Carry on with the checks below.
Wrong format: That doesn't look like the serial numbers GOV.UK lists (two letters then seven numbers). Check you've copied the right number from the V5C.

The checks to do at the viewing

Tick these off as you go. Your ticks stay on this device only.

The V5C has a "DVL" watermark. GOV.UK says to make sure it's there.
The serial number is outside the stolen blank ranges. Use the checker above.
It's the original, not a photocopy. Citizens Advice says to make sure you get the original log book, and never to buy a car without one.
The details on the V5C match what you've been told: registration number, make, model and colour. Our number plate decoder reads the age and the DVLA area from the first four characters.
The VIN on the car matches the V5C. The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis. Check the one on the car, not just the one on the paperwork.
The engine number matches the V5C.
The V5C is the latest one. The free GOV.UK vehicle information service shows the date the last log book was issued, and GOV.UK suggests checking the date on the green new keeper slip against it. If the dates don't match, the V5C you're being shown may not be the latest one. Ask why.
The seller is the person named on the V5C, at the address on it. Citizens Advice suggests meeting a private seller at their home, so you have a record of their address. If the name or address is different, ask why before you go any further.

0 of 8 checks ticked

Not sure where to find the VIN? Our guide to finding the VIN shows the usual places on a car.

Before you go to see the car

GOV.UK suggests you:

ask the seller for the registration number, make, model and MOT test number
check those details match the record on GOV.UK's vehicle information service
check the MOT history matches what you've been told
check whether the car has been recalled for a safety issue

If the MOT history shows advisories, our MOT advisory decoder explains what each one means and what to ask the seller.

If you buy the car

Tax it straight away. You'll need the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C (GOV.UK).
Make sure the seller tells the registration office. They can do it online and give you the green slip, or post the V5C off. Either way, you should get the green slip (GOV.UK).
No V5C at all? GOV.UK advises that you shouldn't buy a vehicle that doesn't have one.

Share your checklist

Copy summary and Download image give a short card such as: "V5C serial is outside the stolen blank ranges listed on GOV.UK. 6 of 8 viewing checks ticked. Still to do: engine number, latest V5C." The serial number itself is never shown on the card or in the summary, and nothing is uploaded.

A V5C isn't proof of ownership

The V5C names the registered keeper, the person responsible for the car day to day. That isn't always the owner. Ask the Police, the police's own question and answer service, says a registration document "is not proof of ownership", and gives company cars and leased cars as examples where the keeper and the owner are different. A car with finance on it may belong to the lender until the finance is paid off. Our guide to checking for outstanding finance explains how to spot that before you pay. Read more: does a V5C prove ownership?

Common questions

Can I check a V5C online?

You can check that the car's details match the vehicle record using GOV.UK's free vehicle information service, including the date the last V5C was issued. This page checks the serial number against the stolen blank ranges GOV.UK publishes. Neither of these confirms the paper document itself is genuine.

What are the stolen V5C serial numbers?

GOV.UK lists two ranges: BG8229501 to BG9999030, and BI2305501 to BI2800000. If the serial number on a V5C falls inside either range, GOV.UK says the V5C might be stolen and to call the police as soon as it's safe to.

Does a V5C prove I own the car?

No. It shows the registered keeper. Ask the Police says the registration document is not proof of ownership. Keep your receipt or bill of sale as your record of the purchase.

What if the seller doesn't have the V5C?

GOV.UK advises that you shouldn't buy a vehicle without a V5C. If you're told it's "in the post" or "with the registration office", wait until it arrives and you can check it.

Is the serial number I type sent to CarCheckHQ?

No. The check runs in your browser against the two ranges above. The number you type isn't sent to us or anyone else, and we don't keep a copy of it.

Does a CarCheckHQ report check the V5C?

No. Our report doesn't examine the log book. It shows finance markers, the write-off marker and category, the stolen marker, mileage readings and keeper history, where our connected UK sources return them.

What this checker can't tell you

This checker compares a serial number with the two ranges GOV.UK publishes. A number outside those ranges doesn't prove the V5C is genuine: a document can be forged, altered or stolen outside those ranges. It can't check the watermark, the paper or the printing, and it can't tell you who owns the car. The ranges are taken from GOV.UK and checked again each time we update this page. If you have any doubt about a V5C, don't buy the car, and contact the police if you think it's stolen. For the other checks to do before you buy, see our used-car buying checklist.

Sources

GOV.UK: Check a used vehicle you're buying (the stolen blank ranges, the "DVL" watermark, VIN and engine number checks)
GOV.UK: Get vehicle information (including the last V5C issue date)
GOV.UK: Vehicle registration: new and used vehicles (the green new keeper slip, and not buying without a V5C)
GOV.UK: Vehicle identification number
GOV.UK: Get a replacement log book (V5C)
GOV.UK: Check if a vehicle has been recalled
Citizens Advice: Buying a used car
Ask the Police: Is there a difference between the registered keeper and the owner of a vehicle?
Open Government Licence v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. CarCheckHQ is independent and isn't linked to DVLA, DVSA or the police.